A SCIENTIST developing artificial blood is a finalist in an innovator of the year competition.

Professor Chris Cooper, from Essex University’s school of biological sciences, is one of nine finalists in the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s competition.

He is leading a team at the university trying to develop a blood substitute that is longlasting and virus-free as an alternative to blood transfusions.

Professor Cooper has been shortlisted in the Most Promising Innovator category.

The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on March 31.